Ruben Amorim‘s era at Manchester United could have ended today at Old Trafford if Manchester United had been eliminated by Olympique Lyon in the Europa League quarterfinals. But a late goal from Harry Maguire kept the Red Devils’ season alive.
A 5-4 result in extra time saw the Manchester team qualify for the semifinals and dream of being able to play in a Europa League final again, as they did in the 2020-21 season, where they lost the final against Villarreal.
Manchester United prevailed 5-4 thanks to goals from Manuel Ugarte Ribeiro, Jose Diogo Dalot Teixeira, Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Jacob Harry Maguire. Olympique Lyon’s goals were scored by Corentin Tolisso, Nicolás Alejandro Tagliafico, Mathis Rayan Cherki, and Alexandre Lacazette.
The match began with a bang as Manuel Ugarte opened the scoring in the 10th minute, and Diogo Dalot added a second goal just before halftime. However, the second half saw Manchester United falter, allowing Lyon to mount a comeback. Corentin Tolisso scored in the 71st minute, and Nicolás Tagliafico equalized the series in the 77th minute.
Extra time began with Lyon down to 10 men after Corentin Tolisso was sent off for a second yellow card in the 89th minute. But the nightmare continued for United as Ryan Cherki put Lyon ahead 3-2. A penalty converted by Alexandre Lacazette in the 109th minute extended Lyon’s lead. However, Manchester United refused to give up. A penalty was awarded in the 114th minute, and Bruno Fernandes converted to begin the comeback.
Kobbie Mainoo then scored a stunning goal to tie the series again, giving Manchester United hope of reaching penalties. And in the first minute of added time, Harry Maguire rose highest to head home the winning goal, sending Ruben Amorim’s team to the semifinals.
Amorim’s rocky season
The Portuguese coach took over the team on November 1st, replacing Eric Ten Haag due to poor results, but things have not improved significantly. Manchester United currently sits 14th in the Premier League with 38 points, enduring their worst season in the competition.
Amorim has found more success in the Europa League, where he finished third in the Group Stage and successfully navigated the Round of 16 against Real Sociedad, advancing with a comfortable 6-2 aggregate score.
see also
Manchester United reportedly targeting $52 million replacement for Andre Onana amid Saudi Arabia links
Ruben Amorim is under pressure, but this victory is significant for the English team because winning the Europa League could secure qualification for the Champions League. Without it, the Red Devils will miss out on European competition next season.
